Atlanta City Council member Mary Norwood has gone public with her “wholehearted” endorsement of Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson.
Norwood said in a statement and video that she believes Jackson has the background needed to run the state.
“I enthusiastically and unequivocally support Rick Jackson for governor of our state,” Norwood said in the satement.
Jackson became a billionaire through the purchase and consolidation of healthcare companies to create his own healthcare and staffing business. He grew up in foster homes and spent time in Techwood Homes, the now-demolished public housing project once located near Georgia Tech.
“He is a successful businessman with CEO experience combined with a demonstrable concern and care for citizens from all walks of life,” Norwood said. “As I have gotten to know him, I am impressed with his sense of commitment and responsibility to help – not only his employees over the decades – but also so many others.”
Jackson is running against Democrat and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Norwood lost to Bottoms in the mayoral runoff race in 2017.
“When I make a decision to endorse someone, I look beyond the rhetoric that can exist in campaigns. I’m looking for the person whom I believe will best represent all our interests all the time. That person for the governor of Georgia, in my opinion, is Rick Jackson,” Norwood said.
Jackson appeared alongside U.S. Senator candidate Mike Collins at the Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition’s Victory Dinner on Sept. 14. Jackson and Collins endorsed each other early in the race, even as Collins has been under fire for antisemitic social media posts from staffers and family members.
Norwood represents Atlanta City Council District 8 residents in North Atlanta, including the Chastain Park, Buckhead, and Collier Hills neighborhoods. She’s served on the council for more than 15 years, first as an at-large member, then as the District 8 representative.
